Minneapolis vs St. Cloud: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,971▲ | $136,057 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.33▲ | $65.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,716 | $110,629▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,385▲ | $117,581 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,413▲ | $148,327 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,010▲ | $171,748 |
| Total Employed | 4,900▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Cloud is $1,914 (1.41%). Minneapolis's median is +0.81% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $70,294,St. Cloud spans $61,119. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($155,259 effective) pays 17.96% more than Minneapolis ($131,624 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,971/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,010)
- ✓Larger job market (4,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,259)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Minneapolis grew 12.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$118,570 (2019) → $133,370 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$119,000 (2019) → $131,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Minneapolis or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to St. Cloud as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Minneapolis vs St. Cloud?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov